By Salim Saifullah Khan
One of the major ailments that our body politic has suffered from is the lack of communication and confidence among the federating units and the Center. The situation is further exacerbated by lack of an informed discourse and dialogue to sort out any national issue. The history of Balochistan-Center relations exemplifies this regrettable situation.
The fast-deteriorating situation in Balochistan and prospects of spiraling violence should cause great concern among all citizens and viewed in the context of over all interests of Pakistan and not through the prism of narrow political ends. It is about time that an urgent and comprehensive dialogue is initiated between the Baloch leaders and Islamabad. The prevailing regional situation and inherent instability that stares into our future requires bold and innovative initiatives, more particularly a generous approach to meet the concerns and legitimate demands of Balochis.
An admirable initiative was taken in September 2004 by then Prime Minister Ch Shujaat Hussain who formed a Committee of Parliament to "examine the current situation in Balochistan and make recommendations there on and further to make recommendations to promote inter-provincial harmony" and was required to submit its report within 90 days.
The Committee was split into two sub-committees and had 38 members, drawn from all parts, both Senators and MNAs.
The committee did an admirable job of making direct contacts with stakeholders, and based on their assessments, grievances and proposals, a set of recommendations was submitted to the government. The Sub-Committees under Mushahid Hussain held a number of sessions and also received briefings from the provincial government’s agencies concerned with maintenance of law & order and development. The discussions were substantive and exhaustive and the recommendations were made within the parameters and mandate of the two committees identifying 31 issues ranging from gas royalty to new military check posts and the development of Gwadar.
Following major recommendations covered the critical areas and an honest effort was discernable in the solutions suggested. To ensure the prompt implementation of these measures, a task force was recommended to be created to monitor the progress.
Major Baloch demands related to gas revenue, share in federal government employment, exploitation of Gwadar, and construction of cantonments and stationing of FC Coast Guards. It was accordingly recommended that i) At least 15 % of the gas revenue received by province be given to the district, ii) preference be given for gas connections to such areas, iii) Arrears of Royalty be disbursed by 31st Dec 05.
To ensure adequate representation to Balochs in the federal departments the job quota of 5.4 percent as per Constitution be implemented. On Gwadar the Committee recommended that HQ of GDA be shifted from Karachi to Gwadar; seven percent of its gross revenue be allocated for development of Balochistan and all posts of BS 1 to 16 should be reserved for the Baloch and meanwhile a special development package of Rs 3 billion be announced for social sector. Building of cantonments at Gwadar, Dera Bugti and Kohlu be held in abeyance, till redress of other complaints.
The complaints and recommendations for their redress are realistic and do not come in conflict with government policies, nor they involve outlay of funds beyond the resources. Indeed the terms of Reference of the Committee and its recommendations are within the ambit of provincial rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The formula regarding royalty and gas development surcharge are also within the competence of NFC/CCI and hence ’doable’. Similarly the recommendation regarding judicial enquiry into the allotment of lands in Gwadar district particularly to the private housing companies under the Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court is exceptionable and will go a long way to meet the concerns of the people of Balochistan.
These recommendations covered a wide spectrum of issues and demands, borne out of consensus reflecting the demands and requirements of those political parties and forces directly involved. The comprehensive diagnosis of the situation and appropriate prescriptions greatly restored the confidence of Baloch leaders, who had initially responded to the Committee with a certain degree of apprehension and mistrust.
The final report with all recommendations has, however, been delayed by almost a year dealing a mortal blow to it. In the meantime the situation has worsened, with political leaders and forces growing weary of the delay and suspecting mala fides. The climate of trust and confidence, generated by frank and honest discussions and interaction with Ch Shujaat and Mushahid Hussain, has evaporated with the result that we are today faced with almost an insurgency situation.
The past history of Center- Balochistan relations and the memories of 1973 military crackdown evoke deep forebodings. Before the situation develops into a major crisis, to arrest the decline is not only in our national interests, but also for international complications that the situation may create.
The statement by Indian foreign office, on the situation and its gratuitous advice to "exercise restraint" is a pointer in this direction".
In the past many a good opportunities were lost, primarily due to bureaucratic delays and insensitivity of the powers that be, to the need for immediate and effective measures. Let us not fall into that trap again. The situation as reflected in the militant statements of Baloch leadership should not be dismissed lightly. We can ignore the situation only at our peril.
A dispassionate analysis of the Baloch demands and the recommendations to address them would reveal that the healing touch can still be applied, without loss of face.
I propose that to avert the crisis and to control the situation, it must be recognized that it is a political crisis and can only be addressed politically. We need to display great forbearance and patience, eschew the temptation to term the situation as insurgency and seek any solution through use of force.
A cursory look at the current regional situation and new and restrictive, even punitive concepts of State behavior in the wake of 9/11 should make us realize the critical implications of the situation. I strongly feel that if the situation is allowed to slide, it can invite foreign intimidation if not intervention, putting our national fabric under strong pressure. It is still not too late to salvage the situation.
My reading of the situation on the ground and the recommendations of Mushahid Committee leave me in no doubt that neither the issues are intractable nor the solution impractical. The fog of mistrust and misunderstanding, however, is very dense and has blurred the real issues and intentions. Time has come that all of us who have a stake in the future of Pakistan and also the capacity to influence, must rise to the occasion and play our part.
In this context, I venture to make two suggestions to defuse the current situation and provide a mechanism to address these issues in a national spirit.
Mediation based on the recommendations of Mushahid Committee by senior politicians and public leaders of all hues, enjoying the confidence of both parties must undertake a joint mission. I propose that a Committee of Elders be led by Sardar Farooq Leghari and may include leaders like Sherbaz Mazari, Illahi Bux Soomro, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Maulana Fazalur Rehman besides Ch Shujaat and Mushahid Hussain.
During my tenure as federal minister for petroleum in 1985, I was regularly in contact with Baloch leaders and enjoyed their confidence. I am ready to make my humble contribution to the mediatory efforts by associating with and assisting the Council in its task.
To create better inter-provincial harmony and to tackle issues of provincial concern and complaints, I suggest that at the federal level the Ministry of inter-provincial coordination be revived. It may be recalled that the Ministry functioned until 1987.
Mr Aslam Khattak was the last to hold this portfolio in the Junejo Cabinet. It is about time that the senior minister is given this portfolio to deal with the issues to generate inter provincial harmony, which incidentally was one of the priority issue listed in the first official address of General Musharraf, on assumption of office in Oct 1999.
The Committee had recommended formation of a task force to ensure implementation of the measures suggested. The Task Force should be constituted concurrently with concerned officials both provincial and federal at the highest level and coordinate their activities. Association of senior media men would provide public involvement and put the committee under pressure to deliver.
Balochistan situation is a national problem and it can be solved only through a determined national effort, involving civil society leaders, politicians, officials and media. The guiding principle should be that time is of the essence, remembering that "a stitch in time saves nine".
The writer is former Secretary General PML (Q) and a former Federal minister
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